How to Build a Light Steel Structure Part 2

Materials, Shapes, and Standard Sizes

Cold-Formed Steel

Material

Structural and non-structural framing members utilized in steel construction shall be cold-formed to chape from sheet steel complying with the requirements of ASTM A1003/A1003M [23].

Corrosion Protection

Structural and non-structural framing members utilized in steel construction shall have a minimum metallic coating complying with the requirements of ASTM A1003/ A1003M [23]. Unless additional corrosion protection is provided, framing members shall be located within the building envelope and adequately shielded from direct contact with moisture from the ground or the outdoor climate. Dissimilar metals shall not be used in direct contact with steel framing members. Steel framing members shall not be embedded in concrete, unless approved for that purpose.

Fasteners shall have rust inhibitive coating suitable for the installation in which they are being used, or be manufactured from material not susceptible to corrosion.

Member Designation

The standard designator defined in this section is used to identify framing members used in cold-formed steel construction. The designator consists of the following sequential codes:

A three or four-digit numerical indicating member web depth in 1/1000 inch. A letter indicating:

S = Stud or joist framing member which have lips

T = Track section

U = Channel or stud framing section which do not have lips

F = Furring channels

L = Angle or L-header

A three-digit numerical indicating flange width in 1/100 inch, followed by a dash. A

two or three-digit numerical indicating base metal thickness in 1/1000 inch (mils).

Example: Designation for a 5 1/2"-16 gauge C-shape with 1 5/8" flanges:

550S162-54